Regional Scale Geological Heritage Diversity From Pakistan; An Integrated Approach Based On Surface Mapping, Petrology, Stratigraphy And Remote Sensing Data

Abstract

The present study deals with the preliminary geoheritage assessment and quanitification of prospective geosites in Pakistan based on the integration of surface mapping, petrology, stratigraphy, and remote sensing data. Pakistan has been blessed with marvelous geological heritage and resources. The concept of geoheritage in Pakistan is nascent and no work has been done so far to document the most important geosites present in Pakistan which can be declared as UNESCO global geoparks. Unfortunately, Pakistan is deprived of having any recognized geosites, despite of excellent exposures and geological entities. Unluckily, due to the lack of essential databases and information in Pakistan, there are no recognized geosites, despite their exceptional geological diversity. From south to north of Pakistan, three geosites are selected for this study. From the south, the Hingol National Park (HNP) is studied in detail to evaluate the geoheritage and geodiversity potential with the help of surface mapping, stratigraphy, and remote sensing data i.e., the Google Earth imaginary, Landsat-9 and Sentinel-2B data for lithological characterization. Fourteen geological heritage sites and ten notable geological features are documented in the HNP. The HNP maintains global ranking and needs professional knowledge for understanding, especially the mechanism behind the geological/geomorphological features. Moreover, the HNP aesthetic properties are high due to the spectacular landscapes specifically the Princess of hope, the Sphinx of Baluchistan, beaches, oasis, and mud volcanoes which are collectively discussed as geological resources. Secondly, The Salt Range, Pakistan is selected because it exhibits the most complete record of sedimentary successions, ranging from Precambrian to Quaternary period and acts as a natural field museum for geologists. With the use of modified multidisciplinary integrated methods (MMIA), which combine three important quantitative indicators—scientific values (SV), relevance grade (RG), and abstract perceptiveness (AP)— this geosite is separated into eight potential combinations. By using global stratigraphic correlation and fossil abundances together with global, conceptual, and scenic values, the Salt Range's geosite classification technique helps to better define the differences between the geosites. Lastly, as a third geosite, a comprehensive study was carried out based on field observations, petrology, and the physico-mechanical properties of specific samples to evaluate the geoheritage of the Gharam Chashma Granitic Batholith (GCGB). The diverse geological context of the GCGB geosite offers great potential for regional geodiversity. The results show that GCGB is a top candidate for geosite with the highest geotourist and geoheritage values. All things considered, this research will offer preliminary studies to evaluate, identify, and categorize the potential geosites for designation as global geoparks in accordance with UNESCO and global geopark operating criteria. This work will help in the development of a geopark in a country where the global geopark perception is innovative and evolving.